Lieberman Demands ‘Liquidation of Hamas’ For Supporting Netanyahu

By Staff, Agencies

Former ‘Israeli’ War Minister Avigdor Lieberman, also head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced he will back Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, but not before Netanyahu vows to end a ceasefire with Hamas and pledges to approve a plan to liquidate the movement, according to sources within the party cited by the Daily Sabah.

Lieberman has taken advantage of the similar number of seats won by Likud and its main rival, the Blue and White alliance led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz, Asharq Al-Awsat reports. Yisrael Beiteinu's support would allow Netanyahu to form a simple majority coalition in order to take control of the Knesset and secure Zionist President Reuven Rivlin's approval of his candidacy as the next prime minister.

Lieberman also reportedly warned Netanyahu of a "serious crisis" if he decided to reject his demand.

Following his announcement, Lieberman reportedly left the ‘Israeli’-occupied territories for a long private trip to an unnamed Eastern European country.

The politician has not yet formally announced he will back Likud and still may emerge as a wild card, the Daily Sabah reported, noting that ‘Israel’ is going to face "weeks" of political negotiations over the next ruling coalition's composition.